No best approach to education for all children with autism

There is no one best approach that can be used in educating all children and
young people with autism, according to a report by researchers from the University
of Birmingham's Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) and St.
Patrick's College Dublin, published today by the Republic of Ireland's
National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The report is an international evaluation of strategies employed in educating
children and young people with autism, based on using a set of rigorous guidelines
to evaluate the latest studies from around the world, published between 2002
and 2008. It also includes data from policy and best practice guidelines from
the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Dr Sarah Parsons, from the University of Birmingham said:

“Practice has outpaced research. Although experts agree that a
range of special and mainstream provision is important for children with autism,
there is no clear evidence from research to help families and practitioners
decide which kind of school will be best for their child.?

The report reveals major gaps in the research base for interventions commonly
used when working with children on the autism spectrum. There is a particular
lack of research regarding good provision for secondary students and those in
post-compulsory education.

" Researchers need to address these gaps in the future and ACER
has plans to develop research bids which focus on some of the key areas highlighted
in the report,”Dr. Parsons stressed.

“There is a growing consensus from expert opinion as to what constitutes
effective practice, and several sets of guidance have been produced by different
working groups in education and health which are very helpful, to parents
and others, but these need to be complemented with evidence from robust research
studies.?

The evidence base for good practice in transition between settings and stages
of schooling needs strengthening, the report also reveals.

The new report will be relevant to practitioners, policymakers and families
worldwide. It will be available on the NCSE Web site (http://www.ncse.ie).

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